A man tried to open an airplane emergency door in-flight Monday according to ABC News.
Alexander Michael Herrera, 23, reportedly made "unusual statements" prior to the attempt and was restrained by passengers and crew members who later handed over the culprit to federal officials. The plane was traveling to Portland from Anchorage.
"My first thought was that the plane must be going down, but then I heard someone screaming to stop him, take him down. I looked behind me and in the exit row was a very large gentleman who was attempting to open the exit row door," said Ryan Oelrich, a passenger on the plane.
Federal Officials took Herrera into custody at the Portland International Airport and charged him with "interfering with a flight crew." "Once the passenger was restrained, he sat calmly in the seat for the short duration of the flight," spokeswoman for Alaska Airlines, Bobbie Egan said.
The suspect is scheduled to appear before a judge on Tuesday. The airplane's emergency door is equipped to prevent anyone from opening the door while in-flight.
Herrera was escorted off the plane in handcuffs and the plane was evacuated. Passengers and crew members were commended for their quick reaction to an unusual turn of events.
"The entire plane, to the best of our ability, gave them a standing ovation for what they did. I'm so very thankful there are people out there who are willing to step up and do the right thing," Oelrich said.
The nature of the statements made by Herrera prior to his attempt may reveal his motives for the incident but were not released by authorities. No one was injured during this incident. No reports have been made on whether or not the suspect will face jail time.
